Rivaldo 'agrees Qatar deal'

RIVALDO FACTS Born: 19/04/1972 Position: Left-footed midfielder Clubs: Paulista, Santa Cruz, Mogi-Mirin, Corinthians, Palmeiras, Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona, Milan, Cruzeiro Brazil caps: 68 International goals: 33 Allardyce warns Rivaldo

The Qatar Football Association claims it has beaten Bolton and Celtic to the signature of Rivaldo.

Qatar FA technical director Manfred Honer said: "Rivaldo has signed for us. He has been here for three days and is finding a place to live.

"The move was all about money. It is what motivates the player.

"I can't reveal figures, but if you're telling me Celtic and Bolton were willing to offer him £30,000 a week I can only say we're paying much more."

Rivaldo held talks with the Qatar FA on Monday, but it had been thought unlikely that he would sign a deal with them.

The Brazilian had been told a move over there would end his international career.

Rivaldo had rejected the chance to join Celtic on trial, while Bolton were waiting for his response to a written contract offer and were favourites to sign him.